The many small seeds escape from pores beneath the disk when the capsule is shaken by the wind. The best known of these is the California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), an annual with brilliant orange-coloured flowers that is extensively naturalized in California, Australia, and India. Some species are abundant in certain areas but within a narrow range. The main activities among the community living in the arctic are reindeer keeping, which is an age-old tradition, especially among the Sami people. The arctic poppy is useful to humans and the environment. That is how there are glaciers and icebergs. Whales, seals and walruses thrive in freezing conditions of the tundra. They spend many years accumulating and storing nutrients during each seed production period. Dwarf Cornel (Cornus Suecica) -Evergreen Flowering Plant in Arctic, Why Are Penguin Legs So Short? Plant species capable of growing and living in the Arctic environment have to bear long durations of extremely cold temperatures. This does not influence our choices. As long ago as 2700 BCE the Minoans, a sophisticated civilisation based around Crete, are known to have cultivated poppies for their seed. It is believed that it originated in the Mediterranean region. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon. The precipitation falls in the form of snow during the winter. Even food containing the seeds is prohibited, although the ripe seed has negligible narcotic properties. It is present on the most northern peace of land on Earth, Kaffeklubben island, making the most northern growing plant with the Purple Saxifrage. They are tolerant of temperate zones, provided there is not an excess of humidity. Arctic Poppy There are approximately 1700 plant species in the Arctic Tundra. Arctic dandelions (Taraxacum arcticum) are a common species of perennial dandelions that grow in the Arctic and are edible. Common poppy. Others plant species include dwarf willow, Arctic willow, orange lichen, bear berry, cottongrass, cushion plants and Arctic poppy. After eight trials in twenty-three years to access the north pole, Robert E. Peary sent word from the Indian Harbor Labrador that he had reached the North Pole in April 1909. The entire plant has black hairs, which may be an adaptation. Male narwhals have a straight tusk that comes straight out of the front of their head and it can grow to over 3m in length! Low temperatures and limited warmth due to the low position of the sun in summer and darkness in winter keep the Arctic frozen for much of the year. Amend the soil with plenty of organic matter, Iceland Poppy Care - How To Grow An Iceland Poppy Flower, Can You Grow Iceland Poppy Indoors Caring For Iceland Poppy In A Pot, Popular Poppy Varieties: Types Of Poppies For The Garden, Growing Hostas In Colorado And The Southwest US, Cherry Tree Diseases: Tips On Treating Cherry Diseases, Kiwi Plant Spacing: Planting Female Kiwis Next To Male Kiwi Vines, Biophilia Information: Learn How Plants Make Us Feel, Controlling Chives: Tips On Ridding Lawns Of Chive Plants, Home & Garden Marketplace: Advertiser Info. I have always wondered what the person who came up with Greenlands name had in mind when extensive ice sheets cover the area. The arctic poppy is circumpolar, meaning it is native to arctic and alpine zones all around the arctic, in Europe, Asia, and North America. Despite these harsh conditions, the Arctic Tundra is home to 2,218 vascular plant species, along with bryophytes in the form of mosses and liverworts. The weight of it is very light since it is a plant. Pasque flower. There are 106 species of endemic or native plants that grow in the Arctic, belonging to the families - Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Fabaceae, Papaveraceae, and Poaceae. Therefore, they produce their food through photosynthesis. By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Also, take the chopped plant as a tea for toothaches, headaches, and insomnia. Outside work, her interests include music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading. They proved that this massive ice sheet rests on water. In Greek mythology, the poppy was associated with Demeter, goddess of fertility and agriculture. Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. In time the greenhouse gas affects the world climate negatively. It includes the northernmost parts of the mainland of Eurasia and North America and numerous islands in high latitudes, the largest of which is Greenland. In China, Taiwan and Singapore the seeds are banned because of their potential to be used in to grow opium poppies. They are divers as well. Anyway, its not that much serious for humans as people eat them by processing them into heat. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! These flowers constantly rotate towards the sun, tracking their movement through the air. The title caught its root after a series of expeditions by people from around the world. Can you imagine trying to find your way around and how cold youd be! But, there is also one full day of sunshine. Poppies come in different sizes. You may wear a poppy each November, but here are some interesting facts about the figurative flower that may come as a surprise. Generally, the Arctic poppy grows in mountains, meadows, and dry river banks. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Growth Habit Starting under the soil, Iceland poppies grow from long and deep taproots. The genus Meconopsis includes the Welsh poppy. A balanced 20-20-20 fertilizer diluted in the irrigation water promotes blooms and sturdy flower stems. Thats the lowest temperature level ever recorded in Greenland and Northern Siberia during the winter. If you are looking for interesting facts and trivia about flowers, you might enjoy our articles on Flowers That Start With D or Lilac Symbolism. It is propagated by seed. They are known as primary populations. This leaves a short summer and an even shorter growing season for the limited vegetation to grow and thrive in this frigid and harsh environment. It is seriously, chilly, chilly, chilly up there with some super harsh weather! Lets have a look at some features by which they adapt. Read this article for information on how to grow Arctic poppies. Ill admit that it sounds like an exciting place to visit. Others are dark coloured so the plants can absorb more solar heat. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'konnecthq_com-leader-2','ezslot_12',126,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-konnecthq_com-leader-2-0');Even though the frozen water is somewhat fresh, the Arctic ocean is salty. The result is larger waves, which, when they combine with warm seas that are stormier, cause erosions in the coastlines. The name cotton grass is from the characteristic feature on this plant, with fluffy white tuffs. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'konnecthq_com-leader-3','ezslot_13',127,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-konnecthq_com-leader-3-0');Even though there are facts to help make sense of it, I find it amazing that a significant human population lives in the Arctic. In general, the arctic poppy flower in early summer, so they can mature and seed in the shortest growing season. The plants provide an alternative for beds and borders, containers, rocky areas, and cottage gardens. In short, the answer is yes. Almost 98% of Antarctica is ice, which can be up to three miles deep! The name Arctic comes from a Greek word meaning bear. The Vikings took their name when they colonized Southern Greenland. The one you're likely to be most familiar with is Papaver orientale Papaver orientale 'Beauty Of Livermere' Jason Ingram Papaver radicatum is a species of poppy known by the common names Arctic poppy, rooted poppy, and yellow poppy. Arctic moss (Calliergon giganteum) is the most common polar plant in the Arctic and grows throughout the year. Yes, the Arctic poppy is endangered. They grow in the toughest and most extreme environmental conditions. Parts of Canada and Greenland are near the North Pole. A shallow root system lets plants grow in shallow soils since deeper soils always freeze through permafrost. They are grown on mountains and dry river banks. A second interpretation of poppies in Classical mythology is that the bright scarlet color signifies a promise of resurrection after death. But again, these forms of life have adapted. Even in the deep parts. Also, you can take the poppy milk or combine the poppy seed with your favorite dish. Arctic poppys native range is arctic to sub-arctic climes. Arctic Poppy, Icelandic poppy: Family: Papaveraceae: USDA hardiness: 4-10: Known Hazards: This plant is toxic to mammals, though the toxicity is low[76]. A case in point is the Iceland poppy, also known as the Arctic poppy. The Oriental poppy (P. orientale), native to the Middle East, has 15-cm (6-inch) scarlet, salmon, pink, white, or red blooms on 1.2-metre- (4-foot-) tall long-lived perennial plants. Thats because it may contain calcium, magnesium, and fiber. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'konnecthq_com-sky-3','ezslot_26',138,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-konnecthq_com-sky-3-0');The plant grows close together in a tight clump and blooms the earliest. Alaska Cedar Hardy to minus 40 degrees F, the Alaska cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis) can grow to 20 to 30 feet and is an important timber species valued for its durable wood. Plants like the Arctic crocus trap heat from the sunlight and preserve it for the winter season. These flowerscontinually turn to face the sun, tracking its progress across the sky, and attracting insectsto the centre of the bloom. The Arctic poppy is also a perennial plant as they have a shallow root system to uptake groundwater. After thorough research, which was entirely online, I discovered that the Arctic is partly a mass of water, of which most of it is frozen, which makes the arctic ocean. However, perhaps the mane is because that part of the green is lush tundra and does not have glaciers. Most cultivars were bred in Britain in the early 20th century by nurseryman Amos Perry. To learn more about Arctic plants, take a look at the chapter on the left-hand side! Therefore, individuals from the primary population may occur at high altitudes on wind-blown alpine slopes, sometimes in lower altitudes. The Canadian parts that occupy the Arctic are the ones that tend to get this cold. We can obtain beige and red dyes from flowers. Few flowers are as recognisable as the poppy. Arctic Poppy Facts: Learn About Iceland Poppy Growing Conditions. The entire Arctic vegetation can be broadly classified into three main species groups based on the origins of the different plant species. Subscribe today and receive 3 issues for $9.95 for delivery to the USA or 3 issues for $12.95 for delivery to Canada. About 50 other species of Papaver are grown for their attractive flowers and interestingly cut foliage. By joining Kidadl you agree to Kidadls Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl. Resurrection and eternal life Artist and gardener Sir Cedric Morris, known for his garden at Benton End, was a keen poppy hunter. Gymnosperms are vascular plants that bear seeds but do not produce flowers. By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist. The North Pole is surrounded by the Arctic Ocean. A former nurseryman, John now spends most of his time nurturing his own garden in the foothills of the French Pyrenees. It acts as a warning signal to keep predators away. Europeans were also part of early expeditions by outsiders across the Arctic to prove the Arctic again. So, it's home to far fewer plants than the Arctic. Moreover, the petals of the flowers look like tissue paper and are very silky. The arctic poppy is plant in the poppy family that prefers dry and gravelly soils. The arctic poppies that grow in Svalbard are sometimes viewed as a separate species. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. They have short roots as only the top layer of the soil thaws out. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'konnecthq_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_16',130,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-konnecthq_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0');For example, Russians began to explore the Arctic in the 12th century. It serves as a nutritious food for the growth of other aquatic creatures. Arctic Poppy Facts Papaver nudicaule is the botanical name for the Iceland poppy plant. The seeds contain opium and are quite pleasant to taste. The arctic poppy provides pollen for insects, including a bumblebee. The fruit is bloated, oblong, and 5/8 inch (2 cm.) The arctic ocean moderates the climate in the Arctic. The flowers are usually hard and rough. The peacock poppy (P. pavoninum)with scarlet petals bearing a dark spot at the base in 2.5-cm (1-inch) blooms The flower color of poppy species include: white, lilac, pink, yellow, orange, red, violet and blue. The term tundra is a derivation of 'Tunturi', which is the Finnish word for a 'barren or treeless land', referring to the treeless land of the Arctic Tundra. These plants stay warmer than the air around them. Moreover, plants that grow in the tundra have several key adaptations, such as hairy stems, size, and the capacity to reproduce rapidly during the short summer months. The Arctic mouse-ear chickweed (Cerastium articum) is another perennial herb adapted for growing on open gravel in humid regions. Papaver radicatum is circumpolar in distribution and grows in arctic and alpine zones in Europe, North America, and Asia.[2][3]. Arctic poppies have cup-shaped flowers to move with the sunlight. Covered in black hair they are hardy and tough, with some surprisingly delicate yellow or white petals. Arctic poppies get energy from the sun. Golden saxifrages (Chrysoplenium spp. This article contains incorrect information, This article doesnt have the information Im looking for. Mosses and liverworts, the most common type of bryophytes that grow in the Arctic, account for about 900 varieties of polar plant species. Some species are monocarpic, dying after flowering. Wearing a poppy is a show of support for the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces, veterans and their families It represents all those who lost their lives on active service, from the beginning of the First World War right up to present day. Arctic poppy offers a cold hardy perennial flower that is adaptable to most of the regions of the United States. Opium, from which morphine, heroin, codeine, and papaverine are derived, comes from the milky latex in the unripe seed capsule of the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). Arctic poppies are found growing in meadows, mountains and dry river beds. Any information you provide to us via this website may be placed by us on servers located in countries outside the EU if you do not agree to such placement, do not provide the information. This article was most recently revised and updated by, The University of Arizona - College of Agriculture and Life Sciences - Poppies, poppy - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), poppy - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). A striking feature of the tundra is the permafrost, a layer under the topsoil that remains frozen. The most species-rich genera of endemic polar plants of the Arctic are - Puccinelia (grass family), Oxytropis (legume family), Papaver (poppy family), and Draba (cabbage family). There is a lot of concern around the world around the effects of climate change on the ice. Native Area: Arctic regions of Northern Hemisphere. The ovary develops into a spherical capsule topped by a disk formed by the stigmas. poppy, any of several flowering plants of the poppy family (Papaveraceae), especially species of the genus Papaver. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'konnecthq_com-netboard-1','ezslot_21',134,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-konnecthq_com-netboard-1-0');The arctic willow is a caribous favorite snack for caribou, musk oxen, and arctic hares. Poppy flowers are shaped like cups and have four to six petals. Most poppies are found in the Northern Hemisphere, and several species of poppies are cultivated as garden ornamentals. Some parts of the arctic ocean area froze throughout the year, giving it the icy perception. The reason for this is that the Arctic is mostly ocean surrounded by land. Others grow to more than 15 feet (4.6 meters) in height. Omissions? They have a hardened physical character with a strong rooting system to survive adverse conditions. These plants stay warmer than the air around them. It is an influential group of flowers with a fascinating history. The region is cold, dry, and windy. As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. The seeds taste like nuts and are very pleasant fruit. The stem hairs on the arctic poppy keep heat close to the plant body and protect it from the air. [Comparative Analysis ], How Do Penguins Sleep? Each leaf is a feathery shape and can be anywhere from 1-6 inches in length. So, eat it after ensuring the toxicity level is considerable. Peary claimed the National Geographic Society reexamined success, which led to a finding that there were holes in his story. Plants form from a basal rosette and develop wiry, furry stems with broad green buds. This occurrence means that the border can change significantly with the recent climate change. The tundra biome is located in the Arctic, Antarctic and Alpine regions. What a strange name, so why is it called that. Small leaves help the plants retain moisture. We hope you enjoyed them and youre the Arctic expert. There are birds, sea mammals, and other mammals like bears. Its generally 14 cm long, but sometimes it may extend up to 30 cm. Direct sow seeds in cultivated soil in spring or early summer. A variety of about 50 Arctic plant species can be found within the genera of Carex (sedge family), Potentilla (rose family), Oxytropis (legume family), and Salix (willow family). The opium poppy is far less fragile than the field poppy and produces flowers that are burly and flamboyant. They are common in the Arctic Ocean islands, Spitsbergen, and the Baffin Bay. Papaver grows mainly in the northern hemisphere, with one species found in southern Africa. They have a cup-shaped flower that turns towards the sun and seizes the sunlight. And so, they will not fall and stand upright in adverse conditions. Messages delivered in dreams Their impact on pollinators is great in early spring. Poppy is the common name for any of the plants comprising the Papaver genus in the flowering plant family Papaveraceae. It is 14.5 million square kilometers. see a larger photo Others are dark coloured so the plants can absorb more solar heat. This type of soil consists of a layer of soil and partially decomposed matter frozen all year round. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents. Updates? These account for nearly 190 species of polar plants that do not originate in the Arctic but just below it. It has a circular distribution in the Alpine and Arctic regions. Spread the cost of your subscription with an offer you'll love and pay just 3.50* every issue. The Arctic Poppy is about 10 to 15 cm tall at the end of their growing. Asteraceae and Cyperaceae are the most species-rich plant families. The tender petals retain their best form when watering is done from the underside of the plant. Two kinds of edible trees that can grow in the lower, warmer latitudes around the border of the Arctic Tundra are - Birch (Betula pubescens) and Spruce (Picea sitchensis). Scientists usually define the Arctic as the area above the 'Arctic Circle' an imaginary line that circles around the top of the globe. Polar habitats cover the top and bottom of planet Earth at the North and South Poles. Some leaves, stems, and the pods that hold the seeds are hairy. Antarctic Plants. across and consistently produce during spring. Any increase in temperatures and pressure causes the gas hydrates to destabilize and decompose. Check your inbox for your latest news from us. The above features of the Arctic poppy meet the requirement of an Arctic plant. I already knew that the Arctic is cold, but further discovered that the minimum temperature is -68 degrees Celsius. Yes, arctic poppy is edible. Due to a short growing time, most plants in the tundra are perennials. The plants typically grow in the tundra regions are - Arctic willow, Artic poppy, Pasque Flower, and Cottongrass. Also, they have some medicinal value. When the ice in the arctic begins to melt, more regions with water come into existence. 1. This phenomenon establishes a secondary population on gravel and sandy banks near rivers or other disturbed lowlands. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. The tundra is home to many species of herbivorous mammals, including reindeer, squirrels, moose, arctic hares, lemmings, and sheep. Poppies are herbaceous annual, biennial or short-lived perennial plants. Believed to be one of the world's most north-growing plants, alpine poppies are also found in northern Norway, Russia . They turn towards the sun during the long summer days. The growing season for Arctic plants is only a short span of around 50 - 60 days, during which time several plants have to produce flowers and seeds. Mosses generally appear to grow in the form of turfs, while liverworts typically grow in the form of mats or carpets. Ever wondered where the North Pole was, well its right here in the Arctic. Native Americans use the leaves and seeds of the arctic poppy as a source of vegetables. Would you like to receive offers, updates and events from Gardens Illustrated and its publisher Our Media Ltd (an Immediate Group Company)? It has about forty million, although many people live in the Arctic warmer and greener parts. Some parts of the arctic are extremely deep-going as far as 4000 meters. [8] Its pollinator impact is heaviest in early spring, decreasing as the year continues. A fun fact about the arctic boundaries is that they are defined by the northern limit of trees on land or by a mean July temperature. Here are ten facts you probably don't know about poppies. Host plant, medicinal herb, deer resistant, attract butterflies, foods of arctic bumblebee. Well lets get on with it and see what this freezing place is all about.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'konnecthq_com-portrait-2','ezslot_24',137,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-konnecthq_com-portrait-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'konnecthq_com-portrait-1','ezslot_23',136,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-konnecthq_com-portrait-1-0'); The Arctic expectation should have exciting life forms since it is one of the most diverse and exciting regions globally. see a larger photo Others are dark coloured so the plants can absorb more solar heat. Heavy spring rains tend to weigh down delicate flowers and cause them to nod in the mud. If any mammals take them without processing, they may show some food poisoning. Poppies today are sold as cut flowers in flower arrangements, especially the Iceland poppy, and commonly have a prominent place in gardens, borders, or in meadow plantings. Leaves Iceland poppy leaves will grow in a basal rosette. So, the cultivation of Arctic Poppy can be a game changer for the future. They bloom quickly due to their short growing season, around 60 days. Now I know my next vacation destination. Rajnandini is an art lover and enthusiastically likes to spread her knowledge. The flower can also track the sun in the sky, which means it can maximise the amount of sunlight it receives for photosynthesis. The arctic poppy is a beauty of the Arctic. The native Arctic plants that were stably introduced are - white clover, common chickweed, European alkali grass, woodland draba, and meadow grass. Poppies have a long history in human civilization. So, there it all issome awesome facts about the Arctic. During summer, herbivores eat flowers, shrubs, and leaves. It has a dwarfish appearance. In the 1970s the American war on drugs targeted Turkish production of the plant, leading to a more negative popular opinion of the US. The plants grow close together, close to the ground, and are only a few centimeters tall. The Arctic willow (Salix arctica) is also called a 'tongue plant' by the Inuit people because of its peculiar shape. Tundra is the harsh, cold, and dry ecosystem in the Arctic. The kinds of plant species most abundant in the Arctic tundra are listed below. Although the sea is cold, it is warmer than the ice and therefore warms the ice. Most of the time, the Arctic is cold and dry in climate. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. It faces towards the sun and produces extra energy for photosynthesis and reproduction. These are a rare order of plant species found in the Arctic. These climatic conditions are sometimes severe but can still sustain life. Moreover, the poppy has some other medicinal value. Opium, from which morphine, heroin, codeine, and papaverine are derived, comes from the milky latex in the unripe seed capsule of the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum), which is native to Turkey. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. The plants that grow there also face water scarcity, with annual precipitation being as low as 6-10 in (15 - 25 cm), primarily snow. As an emblem of remembrance, it is deeply embedded in our psyches. An adaptation for this plant is it moving to where the sun is so it could get heat from the sun. Small leaves help the plants retain moisture. Iceland poppy growing conditions are extremely variable, making this short-lived perennial a natural choice for a variety of landscape situations. This plant is leafless, with a cup-shaped flower on each stem. Therefore, all the plant and animal species, including the arctic poppy, are on the verge of extinction. Apart from birds, other animals live entirely beneath the waters in the Arctic and partly in the Arctic ocean waters. All rights reserved. This ensures the seed is protected in cold soil and can undergo successful germination. They were already grown as ornamental plants since 5,000 BC in Mesopotamia. Poppies have a long history in human civilization. These festive little flowers are easy to grow. From botanical wonders in Australia to tranquil havens closer to home in Ireland, let this guide help you to discover some of the most glorious gardens around the world, Spread the cost of your subscription with an offer you'll love and pay just 3.50 every issue. The two sepals usually drop off as the petals unfold. Also, the plant is around 14-30 cm with a shallow root system. Common liverwort species include - earwort, earthwort, pincerwort, threadwort, and notchwort. Climate change has been a major issue for a lot of governments. Wow, there are over 4 million people that call this home, not just Inuits, there are other people living there too.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'konnecthq_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',117,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-konnecthq_com-medrectangle-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'konnecthq_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_11',124,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-konnecthq_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Scientists wanted to check if the ice sheet in the Arctic Ocean rested on land or water, so in 1958, a submarine called the USS Nautilus sailed beneath the frozen ice of the Arctic Ocean. Poppies can range in colour from deepest purple to red, orange, yellow and white. The short Arctic poppy grows in groups and stays close to each other to shelter from the air. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. Most poppies are found in the Northern Hemisphere, and several species of poppies are cultivated as garden ornamentals. A perennial plant is a plant that lasts for several years. It makes shallow roots smaller and averts larger plants, such as trees, from growing in the Arctic. There is the likelihood of assuming that the arctic climate is the only winter because part of it is ice and snow and cold. Among the 2218 species of vascular plants in the Arctic, the most common are flowering plants, herbs, grasses, and dwarf shrubs. The opium poppy is far less fragile than the field poppy and produces flowers that are burly and flamboyant. The layer of vegetation covering the southern edges of the Arctic Tundra is part of the borderline species. The plants provide an alternative for beds and borders, containers, rocky areas, and cottage gardens.